Parliament began forking out for private security in January last year following a sharp rise in threats against MPs.

It followed the controversial vote about bombing in Syria when one MP who voted for action reported a baying mob outside her home.

Within three months, 25 MPs had received security installations at a total cost of £170,576, according to figures obtained under freedom of information laws.

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As MPs' fears grow parliament has begun to pay for private security

In the year 2016-17, a further 530 applications were made for security by 306 MPs, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.

The total cost has yet to be calculated but if it is at the same level as for the other 25, it would hit £2 million.

IPSA said: “We take the security of all MPs very seriously. We wrote to all of them in January 2016 to inform thaem of the security support available, which includes security at their home and at constituency offices.”

A security hotline for worried MPs received an average of two calls a day since it was set up last April.

But the true figure number is likely to be higher as some will have gone directly to police.